Pictured At the long-term survivor's awards. Princess Kasune Zulu is at left in the middle photo. Photos by Amy Wooten
The Chicago Area HIV/AIDS Caucus ( EASE ) celebrated the second annual Long-Term Survivor's Award Nov. 2 at the Harold Washington Library.
The ceremony honored and celebrated individuals who are in the forefront advocating, out with their status, and have been living with the disease six years and up. Fifteen people received awards, ranging from age 6 to 65.
'A lot of people are still in secrecy about the disease,' EASE chair Patrice Dean said. 'That is why we do what we do.'
Those who received the gold award have been positive for over 20 years. Jerome Adams, Debra Fleming and Rae Lewis-Thornton received awards in this category.
Silver winners have been positive between 15 and 19 years. Winners included Sanford Gaylord, Rob Hadley and George Martinez.
Bronze recipients have been positive for six years or more. The recipients were Brent Adams, Reginald Jackson and Keith Waddell.
EASE also presented Anthony Hollins, Renee McGee, Rep. Larry McKeon, Courtez Rhodes, Matt Sharp and Princess Kasune Zulu with awards under a 'Special' category.
'It's a thank you for the people who don't mind being out there fighting,' said EASE member Ida Byther-Smith.